What do you think?
Rate this book
What Would Ben Stein Do: Applying the Insights of a Modern-Day Pundit to Tackle the Challenges of Business and Life
SO, WHAT WOULDN'T BEN STEIN DO?There are so many terrible ideas to avoid. For instance, Ben Stein wouldn't marry someone who refused to work or was a diva or had a drug problem. Any of those choices would be really bad. He wouldn't spend his entire paycheck and leave his bank account empty. He wouldn't arrive late to an appointment. (Most definitely not!) He wouldn't drive an ugly car. He's fairly certain he wouldn't pierce any part of his face. He also wouldn't preserve tax cuts and expect money to trickle down from the sky. And he would never invite a drunken stranger into his home (again)."What Would Ben Stein Do?" Read this book, and find out. His answers to your questions about life, work, money, relationships, and everything in between are all inside.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published September 26, 2011
3 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Ben Stein
51 books56 followersBenjamin Stein is a multifaceted American figure known for his work as a writer, lawyer, actor, comedian, and commentator on politics and economics. He began his public life as a speechwriter for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, later gaining widespread recognition in the entertainment world for his deadpan comedic style. Stein became a pop culture icon through his role as the monotone economics teacher in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and as the host of Win Ben Stein’s Money, a game show that earned multiple Emmy Awards. He also played Dr. Arthur Neuman in The Mask and its sequel. A Yale Law School valedictorian, Stein worked as a lawyer for the Federal Trade Commission and taught law and economics at Pepperdine University.
A prolific columnist, Stein has contributed to The American Spectator, Newsmax, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. His books, often co-authored with Phil DeMuth, address financial planning and economic commentary. In 2008, he wrote and starred in Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, a controversial documentary criticized for promoting intelligent design.
Politically conservative, Stein has defended Nixon's legacy, expressed strong views on U.S. foreign policy, and advocated higher taxes on the wealthy to support military initiatives and reduce national debt. During the 2008 financial crisis, he came under scrutiny for downplaying early warning signs and misjudging the scale of the economic collapse.
Stein has also had an extensive voice acting and television career, appearing in series such as The Wonder Years, Seinfeld, and Family Guy, and voicing characters in The Fairly OddParents, Rugrats, and Animaniacs. His personal life includes a long-standing marriage to entertainment lawyer Alexandra Denman and homes in California, Idaho, and Washington, D.C. Though often polarizing in his opinions, Stein remains a recognizable figure across political, academic, and entertainment domains.
A prolific columnist, Stein has contributed to The American Spectator, Newsmax, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. His books, often co-authored with Phil DeMuth, address financial planning and economic commentary. In 2008, he wrote and starred in Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, a controversial documentary criticized for promoting intelligent design.
Politically conservative, Stein has defended Nixon's legacy, expressed strong views on U.S. foreign policy, and advocated higher taxes on the wealthy to support military initiatives and reduce national debt. During the 2008 financial crisis, he came under scrutiny for downplaying early warning signs and misjudging the scale of the economic collapse.
Stein has also had an extensive voice acting and television career, appearing in series such as The Wonder Years, Seinfeld, and Family Guy, and voicing characters in The Fairly OddParents, Rugrats, and Animaniacs. His personal life includes a long-standing marriage to entertainment lawyer Alexandra Denman and homes in California, Idaho, and Washington, D.C. Though often polarizing in his opinions, Stein remains a recognizable figure across political, academic, and entertainment domains.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 13, 2011
Although I don't share the political slant of Ben Stein I do think he's fairly clever and well educated.
A friend gave me this book and I am astonished that Wiley would even publish it.
It is a quick read and certainly something that could be given as a gift by business people to other business people who don't have time to read a real book.
It's a collection of his thoughts on life in a very very light form. If it weren't for the many blank pages it would hardly be a book, more like a list. I can imagine it being a gift for a twenty-something but not for someone who is more mature.
There just wasn't enough there there for me, it cheapened his brand for me, disappointing indeed. I don't mind wading through a book for one important tidbit and that's why I kept reading... alas.
A friend gave me this book and I am astonished that Wiley would even publish it.
It is a quick read and certainly something that could be given as a gift by business people to other business people who don't have time to read a real book.
It's a collection of his thoughts on life in a very very light form. If it weren't for the many blank pages it would hardly be a book, more like a list. I can imagine it being a gift for a twenty-something but not for someone who is more mature.
There just wasn't enough there there for me, it cheapened his brand for me, disappointing indeed. I don't mind wading through a book for one important tidbit and that's why I kept reading... alas.
February 17, 2012
Different from what I expected but not bad. Interesting career, marriage, life, and happiness thoughts and opinions from this highly regarded pundit.
October 26, 2011
Mr. Dry strikes again! I don't know what it is about this guy - his schtick is so low key but somehow it appeals to me (and apparently many others). I mean, in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the scene where the author, then in his role as an actor, repeated Bueller's name over and over for roll call is iconic, and yet, for me, my favorite line in the movie was when Bueller's friend asked, "OK, now that we're playing hookey, what're we gonna do today?" And Bueller says, "You're asking the wrong question. The real question is, 'What AREN'T we gonna do today?' "
Anyway, on to the book. It's another collection of "essays of the obvious". Again, I don't know why I'm drawn to these like a moth to the flame, but who am I to second guess my inclinations? Anyway, the editing (Or is it the writing? Let's hope not.) is pretty sloppy at some points, but Uncle Ben's mensch-ness shines through nonetheless. He repeatedly called himself "your humble scribe" and "your humble servant", and he repeatedly mentions his involvement in 12-step programs. So, he's easy to take, and not a holier-than-thou type.
Anyway, as this review is getting to be a real meandering mess, let me just conclude by mentioning that reading these essays is like having a lunch conversation with someone who's really with it, really interesting, and who really cares. With the Stein patented dry humor added for seasoning.
Give it a peak.
Anyway, on to the book. It's another collection of "essays of the obvious". Again, I don't know why I'm drawn to these like a moth to the flame, but who am I to second guess my inclinations? Anyway, the editing (Or is it the writing? Let's hope not.) is pretty sloppy at some points, but Uncle Ben's mensch-ness shines through nonetheless. He repeatedly called himself "your humble scribe" and "your humble servant", and he repeatedly mentions his involvement in 12-step programs. So, he's easy to take, and not a holier-than-thou type.
Anyway, as this review is getting to be a real meandering mess, let me just conclude by mentioning that reading these essays is like having a lunch conversation with someone who's really with it, really interesting, and who really cares. With the Stein patented dry humor added for seasoning.
Give it a peak.
August 24, 2017
Plain old funny shit, really it is. I was pretty amused reading this book but also thought it was nice to see him add these personal elements to it as well regarding his life. It wasn't all rainbows & sprinkles. Even though most people recognize him from being in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, he had his tv show "Win Ben Stein's Money" back in the 90's. I think it's interesting about how he discusses marriage in various ways from how he & his wife went their separate ways & then were brought back together. He speaks highly of what it means to be married & how it's not easy. He speaks the value of working hard & not expecting people to just give you things willy nilly. He is adamant about character & values as a human being & making sure you do things you say you will (follow though). There are some really great life lessons that everyone can take from this book. Having it be funny is just a bonus.
June 30, 2014
If you'd like a few laughs and want to know someone else's opinions on day to day stuff, this would be a good choice. There is a tone of optimism in these pages that is nice to read.
I know a lot of folks will pick at Stein's point of view on different things in this book, but I really, really liked his writing. Stein has opinions I didn't necessarily agree with, of course, but I still found his advice on work and love to be clearly spoken and rock solid. The part on respecting one's parents really struck a cord with me, and for that chapter alone I'm glad I read this book.
I know a lot of folks will pick at Stein's point of view on different things in this book, but I really, really liked his writing. Stein has opinions I didn't necessarily agree with, of course, but I still found his advice on work and love to be clearly spoken and rock solid. The part on respecting one's parents really struck a cord with me, and for that chapter alone I'm glad I read this book.
March 4, 2012
Common sense for a society that is in dire need of it. An easy to read book that will probably strike many as simplistic, corny, or out-of-step with the credos of many of today's talking heads. Ben's insights are served up with humor and humility.
January 8, 2012
Very easy read, simple observations and advice. I liked it a lot.
February 25, 2012
I love Ben Stein and I loved this book. But he still speaks from a privileged white background even if he is a hard-working Jew.
"do your rebelling while you're horizontal"
"do your rebelling while you're horizontal"
April 16, 2012
This is a book everybody should read. It went fast, it was simple and to the point.
July 22, 2012
Horrible.
November 17, 2012
Even though I don't always agree with Mr. Stein I do always find wit and wisdom from his writing. I'm happy to sort through the nuggets that work and apply for me.
October 11, 2018
His rants are amusing. I agree with most of them.
January 9, 2023
One man's advice and opinions. It's generally good advice, but keep in mind, the book was written in 2011.
October 23, 2024
Ben has opinions on everything. I think he has some good points and but some seem to me to be unreasonable. Given the title I guess I wasn't promised guaranteed wisdom. The book is however extremely funny.
March 28, 2014
Short to the point chapters. Easy read that is informative and gives some good solid advice.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews